The main property portals see a huge spike in activity on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day as families reconsider lifestyle priorities or what style of property best suits their needs.

Enquiries to Rightmove nearly tripled on Boxing Day last year and OnTheMarket also reports an annual surge in web site traffic during the festive period.

The spike in internet traffic means that it is a good idea to reposition any properties which are struggling to sell by making sure that the guide price is appropriate, in advance of this peak viewing period, according to Galbraith.

David Corrie, head of sales and lettings for Galbraith, said: “The festive period is often one of the few times of the year when busy families can get together and take decisions about a wide range of issues. It could be that the house suddenly feels too small for Christmas parties, or children are due to change school and need to live closer, or families decide they need an annexe for older parents, whether permanently or for part of the year. The Christmas holidays are a key time to evaluate what is working for your lifestyle and what needs to change.

“Sellers should ensure their home is being marketed at the right price in order to attract the largest pool of buyers. We always a see a spike in enquiries on our web site over the festive period, so it makes sense for sellers to prepare now to take advantage of this peak market.”

Straloch House in Aberdeenshire on the market with offers over £1,500,000 

Galbraith also recommends spending time getting your home ready for listing by ensuring it is looking its best inside and out.

David Corrie continued: “First impressions matter. Property viewings – and indeed online listings – offer   a small window of opportunity to impress prospective buyers, so it’s important to commit time and money to the property before it’s put up for sale. This should be viewed as an investment in order to achieve the best price.”

Top tips for maximising appeal to a wide range of buyers include:

  • Any exterior work needing attention should be taken care of before the house goes on the market. This could include repainting exterior joinery, fences, keeping the drive weed-free, power-washing the patio, and cleaning the windows inside and out.
  • A tidy, well-kept garden is also important and you should spend time weeding and cutting the lawn. Make sure you have clearly defined garden boundaries and that these are clear for prospective buyers to see.
  • Freshen Up. New or professionally cleaned carpets, newly painted walls together with scrupulously clean kitchen and bathroom fittings are one of the most important elements. Newly painted walls will make any room feel bigger and brighter.
  • Walk the dog. If you have a viewing booked in, arrange for pets to be out for a walk, or at least not on the sofa, as not all house-hunters love animals. Make sure furniture is free of pet hair and that pet bowls and toys are tidied away.
  • De-clutter. It’s a balancing act to present your home in a way that is de-cluttered but not lacking in charm. Those looking to buy sometimes find it difficult to visualise how they would use a room when it is too full of ornaments and paperwork. Create as much floor space as possible but ensure each room has a purpose. It is still your home to enjoy so there is no need to remove all personal items. Buyers like to see it has been a much-loved home for the current owners.

Galbraith handles the sale of rural and residential properties, country houses, smallholdings, farms, land and estates from its 13 offices across Scotland and the north of England.